Mets Notes: Harris, Hairston, Alderson, Davis

The 76-84 Mets have assured themselves of a protected first round pick in next year's draft. They can sign another team's Type A free agent over the winter without losing a first rounder in 2012. The latest on the Mets before they host the Reds in the second-last game of the season…

Willie Harris told Andy Martino of the New York Daily News that the Mets are his "first choice" when he hits free agency this offseason. The Mets could have interest in Harris and Scott Hairston after the season, but they intend to consider all free agent bench players before deciding whether to pursue their own players, according to Martino. It would be a while until Harris and Hairston are aware of the Mets' level of interest.

Mets GM Sandy Alderson reflected on his first year on the job with Newsday's Ken Davidoff in a Q&A that's well worth your time. Alderson says the Wilpons' financial situation hasn't been the obstacle that most people perceive it to be and confirmed that the Mets' 2012 payroll will sit in the $110-120MM range.

Alderson says he's not disappointed with the Mets' medical practices and doctors, despite the injuries his team has sustained.

The Mets would like to have more certainty with Ike Davis' health, but they're "increasingly confident" in his ability to play in 2012.

Comments

Let me just throw this out there:
Met and Red Sox make a deal: Jason Bay for John Lackey and money.

Mets get a potential ace(I’m convinced his pitching this season has been a direct result of his tough family life and baseball clashing, he’ll have a better year in 2012) in the NL who gets to pitch in a huge park and play in a more relaxed media atmosphere. FWIW: Lackey career inter league: 31 starts, 15-7, 3.17 ERA.

Red Sox move Crawford to right field so they use his speed more, put Bay in LF. Bay will also get to hit in a smaller park and Bay will have a lot of protection and won’t have to be the “muscle” in the line up.

Just an idea. Of course, a good portion of this deal would hinge on Crawford’s willingness to move to right but I don’t see why he wouldn’t. He’d get away from the monster and have more room to run. However, both contracts are expensive and end the same year(Bay w/ ’14 option) and both guys are the same age